Monroeville sends off 57 seniors

MONROEVILLE — “We will forever be Monroeville Eagles no matter how far we soar.”

Monroeville High School senior class president Rachel Clingman delivered those inspirational words Sunday afternoon during her school’s graduation ceremony at the Monroeville Athletic Complex (MAC).

Lots of excitement and emotion filled the MAC as Klinger thanked supporters of the class and Monroeville alumni for setting an example.

“Thank you to all of you that came before us for setting the path of success that we will continue to follow,” Clingman said.

Clingman had a surprise for each of her classmates. Taped to the bottom of each graduate’s chair was a goodie bag with items such as eraser “because it’s OK to make mistakes,” a smilie sticker “to remind you to keep smiling” and a paper clip “to help you hold things together when you feel like everything is falling apart.”

Superintendent Ralph Moore encouraged the 57 graduates to “be quick to recognize the love and caring of others.”

“But more importantly recognize your opportunity to be that encourager,” he added.

Moore concluded by saying: “We are all so proud of the young men and women you have become. Congratulations and remember you always have a place here. You are all forever Eagles. Thank you and the best of luck.”

Emileigh Darr, who attended EHOVE Vocational Career Center for her junior and senior years of high school, gave a speech on her experience at EHOVE, how it benefited her and how she continued to be involved at Monroeville High School.

“I could go on and on about how much EHOVE has helped me and made me blossom as a person, and I would say that if you asked any of us that went, we would say it was one of the best decisions we've made in high school,” Darr said.

She also told her classmates to take a chance in life, “because you never know just how perfect it might turn out.”

This year’s recipient of the principal’s award, Amelia Ruggles, also gave a speech. She compared her feelings on graduation to her feelings during her kindergarten graduation.

“If you think back to 12 short years ago, we were all at our own kindergarten graduation. Looking just as scared as we do right now, as we embark on our own new adventures.”

She spoke about how far her class has come since that day, memories they shared and life lessons she has learned.

Ruggles offered a final piece of advice to her classmates.

“No matter where this new chapter may take you, may you always remember your hometown community of Monroeville,” Ruggles said. “It is this community that has instilled its values and its heritage in you. This community is one in a million and you will never find another place like it.

“Take this community with you wherever you may go and always remember that no matter where you end up or what you do, always keep Monroeville in a special place in your heart because Monroeville will always have a special place for you.”

The majority of the class received scholarships during the graduation ceremony, with some students receiving multiple ones.

As a whole, the class earned $739,964 in scholarships and 715 college credit hours. One student is entering the military, 73 percent will attend college and the other 26 percent will join the workforce.